When Auburn city councilors approved the 2010-11 budget they did so knowing that they would be eliminating funding for three police officer positions.

This month councilors reversed that June decision and voted to restore funding for two patrol officers.

Tim Cottrell, president of Auburn Police Local 195, said he was surprised by council’s decision but said the department will still be down two officers when the two positions are filled. The shortage could become even worse next year because three to four officers have said they might retire, Cottrell said.

Councilors said they had a change of heart for several reasons. They said they’re concerned about rising violent and drug-related crime rates, public and officer safety, and having too few officers next year if the department loses more staff to retirement.

Mayor Mike Quill and Councilor Gilda Brower both said they changed their minds after hearing Police Chief Gary Giannotta say department and public safety were jeopardized when the city eliminate the three patrol positions.

“The chief told us they’re getting more calls than they can handle,’’ Brower said.

Of the five councilors, Matt Smith was the only city representative to vote against the 2010-11 budget. He said it was irresponsible of council to cut the three officer positions with violent crime on the rise.

“As councilors our primary responsibility is to keep the peace and make sure our neighborhoods are safe,’’ Smith said.

Through the first half of this year police calls rose 37 percent from the same period last year, soaring from 9,998 to 13,720, according to department records.

Councilors Bill Graney and Tom McNabb said they wanted to start the hiring process now because it takes about a year for new officers to complete academy training and their probationary period.